Vet warns of heat stroke risks in dogs as many owners unaware of key danger signs

As the UK braces for another heatwave, new research from Post Office reveals a lack of awareness among dog owners when it comes to the dangers of heatstroke - with many still walking their dogs in hot weather and missing early warning signs.

The survey of over 2,000 UK dog owners, conducted by Post Office, found that while some symptoms such as excessive panting are widely recognised (72 per cent), others are not. Just over one in five owners were aware that pale (24 per cent) or bright red gums (21 per cent) could be a serious indicator of heat-related illness.

Despite the risks, the research reveals dog owners surveyed are unsure on what temperature is too hot for dogs as over three fifths (62 per cent) of dog owners said they would still walk their dogs in 20°C+ temperatures.

While 91 per cent[1] of dog owners reduce walking time in hot weather, almost a quarter (22 per cent) continue to walk their dogs between 12-7pm, during peak sun hours when the risk of heatstroke is at its highest.

Vet nurse and TikTok influencer @JadeTheVetNurse commented on the need to keep pets cool: “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer for what is considered ‘too hot’ for dogs. Owners need to be aware that any dog can develop heat stroke, even on cooler days, especially if they are over-exerted or left in a warm environment like a car or conservatory.”

The findings also highlight knowledge gaps around the types of dogs that are most at risk. Just over half (53 per cent) of owners recognised that overweight dogs or those with pre-existing health conditions (52 per cent) are more vulnerable to heatstroke. However, less than four in ten (37 per cent) owners were aware that flat-faced breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are at particularly high risk due to their compromised ability to regulate body temperature.

When it comes to safety precautions, whilst most owners (63 per cent) say they always carry water during warm-weather walks, one in eight (13 per cent) admit they only sometimes, rarely, or never do. The use of dog-safe sunscreen is also inconsistent – over a third (36 per cent) said they never use suncream on their dogs, with just 14 percent always applying it

@JadeTheVetNurse continued: “While exposure to warm weather is a common reason we see dogs admitted to the vets with heatstroke, it’s important for pet owners to understand that each dog has their own limits depending on their age, breed, size, coat length, underlying health conditions and levels of exertion.

Owners should take precautions to reduce the risks of heatstroke, especially on days with temperatures over 15° especially, if their dog is considered high risk.”

Paul Paddock, CEO at Post Office Insurance commented: “Heatstroke in dogs can develop rapidly and can be fatal if not caught early. While many owners take steps to reduce the risk, these findings show that more education is needed - from recognising symptoms to knowing when it’s simply too hot to go for a walk. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.

“We are committed to supporting pet owners with accessible services, which is why our dog insurance plans give you access to 24/7 support with our PetCall vet advice line. It’s important to remember that other pets also struggle in the heat – our cat and rabbit insurance plans also offer this support to make sure all pets are cared for over the summer. Pets are family, and we aim to provide peace of mind for owners.”